Swedish Group Brings in the Political Provocateur Noise

Mixing the catchy simplicity of ‘60s garage-rock and soul, the angry urgency of ‘70s punk and a lotta Marxist talk, Swedish political provocateurs the (International) Noise Conspiracy whipped up an explosive hour of classic rock ‘n’ revolution on Saturday at the Roxy.

Often recalling the smash-the-state intensity of the MC5, the players evoked the Who with their sinuous “Smash It Up” and honored the old school with a frenetic take on the Stooges’ “TV Eye.”

One might think the dynamic quintet, dressed identically in denim motorcycle-style jackets and black-and-white striped shirts, would be considered quaint in this country, where most modern punks moan about personal turmoil, not fighting the good fight. But the youthful capacity crowd clearly found something compelling about the group’s righteous skewering of global capitalism.

Not that lead singer Dennis Lyxzen just stood there spewing quotes from Marx, Foucault, Genet and the myriad other thinkers referenced on (I)NC’s latest album, “A New Morning, Changing Weather.” Matching the music’s kinetic energy, he tossed his microphone into the air, swung from the light rigging and climbed into the audience without missing a line.

Between numbers Lyxzen did mock the blind acceptance of profit-mongering. Some might find that objectionable, yet it felt appropriate, as debate on how our way of life might affect others has virtually disappeared from the national dialogue in the name of patriotism. For those ready to challenge the status quo, now’s the time to get with the (International) Noise Conspiracy.

The (International) Noise Conspiracy plays today at the Roxy, 9009 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 8 p.m. $10. (310) 278-9457.